If you’ve ever done a home renovation project, you know there are always costs you didn’t initially plan for. Even when planning a small kitchen remodel, most people set their budgets around big-ticket items like cabinets, countertops, and new appliances. But to help you build the kitchen of your dreams, here are some of the smaller cost items you may want to consider.
Walls
Nothing brightens up a room like a fresh coat of paint. While you most likely have a color in mind already, you may not have considered the glossiness. The gloss of the paint affects how light reflects from the walls and can create different visual effects. The typical options are matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Paints get more expensive the glossier they are.
Adding a backsplash is another way to personalize your kitchen and protect your freshly painted walls from splashing. Vinyl, plastic, and porcelain panels are lower-cost options that come in a wide variety of designs. But if you’re leaning towards ceramic, stone, or marble, be prepared to pay a bit more for the product.
Floors
Don’t forget to consider the floors during your remodel. Peel and stick vinyl is a cheap flooring option that is durable and can be made to look like stone or wood. Hardwood and tile may be more desirable, but the materials are more costly.
Windows
You may find that a remodel is also an opportune time to replace windows in your kitchen. Important factors to consider in the cost of your windows are the style and size of the window, the frame material, and the energy efficiency. The smaller and simpler a window is, the cheaper it will be. While a bow window or garden window is more expensive, these styles create an ideal place to set houseplants or herb planters. Carefully consider how you plan to use your kitchen when choosing your windows.
The frame material affects the longevity of your windows as well as the aesthetic of your kitchen. While wood looks nice, it is not very durable, weatherproof, or energy efficient. Vinyl and fiberglass are materials that have these three qualities. Vinyl is one of the cheapest window frame options while fiberglass, a middle-of-the-road option, has the added benefit of being paintable or having a wood-clad interior.
Finally, consider the energy efficiency of the windows. A double-paned product presents a higher cost upfront but keeps your utility bills noticeably lower.
Lights & Outlets
Whether you need a bold fixture over your new kitchen island or something under the cabinet to illuminate your workspace, lighting is not something to be ignored during a renovation.
Overhead, light fixtures or recessed lights can be used. While recessed lights are cheaper and can make a room look bigger, you typically need more of them to light the space, adding to the material and installation cost. If you have plenty of vertical space in your kitchen, a decorative light fixture is a great way to add style to a room. There are many different styles of light fixtures at a wide array of costs, so the key is finding something that meets your taste and budget.
If you're looking for under-cabinet lighting, consider whether you like the uniform lighting provided by light bars or the light pools created by puck lights. Either way, the power source will play a factor in cost. If outlets are already available where you'd like the lights installed, these can be used to power the lights. Otherwise, you may need to have the lights directly wired or have an outlet installed, adding to the renovation cost.
Remodeling might be an opportune time to replace your old switch plates. Although the cost of each outlet cover and light switch may not seem like much, count how many are in your kitchen and take note of the varying types of switch plates you'll need. Basic white or off-white will be the cheapest option, but for an additional cost, you can choose from a wide variety of styles and designs.
Don't underestimate the addition of light switches, outlets, or a light dimmer. Remember that adding or changing electrical wiring comes at an additional cost.
Personal Touches for Your Small Kitchen
Making your kitchen unique to you is key to your remodel. Your cabinets might be beautiful, but custom handles might be just what you need to tie them into the overall design. Maybe you want a few open shelves in addition to the cabinets or need the perfect stools to go with your new island. Don’t forget to add your personal touches to make your renovated kitchen a place where you can truly feel at home.
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